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Ms. Mohr indicated she had spoken to Congressman Bill Baker, who is very supportive of this project. She asked if it is a two year demonstration project and whether any plans had been considered for a reverse commute. She also asked what percentage of operating costs came from the farebox. Mr. Stockwell stated this project is no longer considered a demonstration project; it is Phase I of a long term operation. Some consideration has been given to providing service for a reverse commute and other freightline uses. However, Measure K requires the project to start service from east to west and other areas of service will be identified as it operates. The fairbox receipts must eventually represent 40% of the operating costs. It will not start at that level, but will rise to that within three years. He did not have with him the figures for the amount of subsidy. He further indicated when the program starts, there will be three passenger cars capable of carrying a total of 500 people seated. With two trains, that is 1,000 people per day. In the first two years, they estimate 900,000 passengers. Mr. Stockwell indicated that no commuter rail service in the United States has ever stopped running once it was established. Ms. Michelotti asked about the funding and an estimated timeline for construction. Mr. Stockwell indicated that service will start 18 months after the date agreements are reached with Union Pacific/Southern Pacific. He thinks that will occur this Fall. Ms. Mohr felt that if this were successful, it may no longer be necessary to have a light rail system from Pleasanton to Fremont. Mr. Stockwell said that was possible. It is conceivable that with the freight railroad network currenfiy existing in Alameda and Santa Clara County, another BART extension will not be necessary or a light rail extension, if you only use what is there. With the merging of the two railroads, there will be surplus lines and Santa Clara and Alameda Counties could benefit by lowered costs to the San Joaquin Regional Rail System. A BART extension now typically costs $50 to $120 million per mile. The San loaquin Regional Rail System costs less than $500,000 per mile for an 85 mile service. 6, PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATHERS Item 6a Advisory_ Ballot Measure Concerning the Oneration of an Excursion Train Between Niles Canyon and Downtown Pleasanton within the Alameda County Transportation Corridor. (SR96: 191) Michael Roush presented the staff report. Ms. Dennis requested that the southern boundary of downtown, as referred to in the ballot language, be designated as Bemal Avenue. 06/18/96 4-